Play securely with the best VPN for gaming

Absolutely, yes! Benefits include more secure connections and more reliable connections—especially over longer distances—and even lower ping in some cases. If you’re playing any game online, you should be doing it with a VPN.

Not really. There are quite a few free VPNs, but even the best of them aren’t actually designed for gaming. Their servers tend to be overcrowded and slow, and they don’t have many server locations. Some may even collect personal data to sell. If you want to see what a fast gaming VPN can do, try ExpressVPN risk-free with our 30-day money back guarantee for new users.

No. In fact, a good VPN can even improve gaming performance by making your connection more stable, and, in some cases, lowering your ping. A gaming VPN can bypass a lot of issues like overcrowded networks and bad signal routing by automatically looking for the fastest connection between you and the VPN server you chose, and that improves performance.

No. Well, not unless using a VPN could get you banned in a specific game. Most games don’t ban them, however, as devs know that VPNs can help players to enjoy their time in the game more by improving their connection, and keeping them safe. Better to turn your VPN on, and just leave it on for best results, changing servers as necessary.

VPNs are perfectly legal in most countries, and it’s legitimate to use them for gaming. Note that some games specifically ban the usage of VPNs in their Terms of Service, however, and getting caught can result in suspensions and bans, or even the full-on loss of your account for that game. Be sure to check the TOS before playing.

Yes and no. It depends on a lot of factors, but methods for detecting VPN usage from network traffic alone can be iffy. Online games that install anti-cheat on your PC, however, almost certainly know when you’re using a VPN. In general, it’s easiest to just use VPNs for games that allow it, or at least don’t forbid it in their Terms of Service.